Business, general

Cyberscams: big on hype, short on fact

Article Abstract:

Assertions that Internet commerce is rife with fraud are overblown, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Most of the complaints the commission receives regarding Internet purchases result from nondelivery of goods or a supplier's failure to accept returns. The commission receives about 50 complaints a month, but that figure is expected to double over the next year.

Venture capital gets a bit more adventurous

Article Abstract:

Australia, like many countries, has faced an apparent shortage of venture funding for high-tech start-up firms. Two new funds could result in such companies actually getting some cash. The A&B Venture Fund One, created by Roger Allen and Roger Buckeridge, is an information technology venture capital fund. Macquarie Bank has announced plans to create the Macquarie Technology Fund.

Government review puts research community on tenterhooks

Article Abstract:

Australia's Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) are facing uncertainty due to a report recommending that the government cut their funding from A$150 million to A$20 million per year. Although observers believe the government will leave CRC funding intact, oversight may be increased via reviews. CRCs may find it difficult to retain expert staff if funding is uncertain.

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Commercial physical research, Research & Development-Industry, Finance, Industrial research, Economic research, Research grants, Research funding